Key Responsibilities
Global Sourcing & Procurement
• Manage end-to-end purchasing activities for imported Exclusive Brand and private-label product lines sourced from Asian suppliers
• Execute and manage purchase orders to support inventory targets, customer demand, and service-level objectives
• Analyze system-generated and manual purchasing requirements to ensure timely replenishment and order placement
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with overseas factories, vendors, and supplier partners
• Contact suppliers to obtain quotations, lead time updates, product cross-references, and delivery information
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, MOQs, and freight-related efficiencies to improve margins and supply continuity
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives related to cost, quality, delivery performance, and lead-time reduction
• Monitor supplier production schedules and proactively address supply risks, delays, shortages, and inventory impacts
Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination
• Coordinate stock transfers and inventory balancing activities with U.S. distribution centers to support service levels and inventory optimization across North American operations
• Collaborate closely with Inventory Planning, Logistics, Operations, and U.S.-based product teams to support replenishment and forecasting activities
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers to ensure efficient inbound import operations
• Analyze purchasing trends, landed costs, tariffs, freight trends, and supply chain impacts to support strategic purchasing decisions
• Resolve supplier, shipment, inventory, and transfer-related issues in a timely and professional manner
• Resolve purchasing-related issues including delivery delays, supplier invoice discrepancies, damaged, and inventory variances
Supplier Performance & Process Improvement
• Track and evaluate supplier performance, including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness
• Maintain accurate and auditable purchasing records, supplier files, pricing data, catalogs, and documentation within ERP and procurement systems
• Maintain supplier performance history, vendor information, and procurement documentation to support reporting and sourcing decisions
• Support continuous improvement and automation initiatives related to purchasing systems, reporting tools, and procurement workflows
• Participate in supplier reviews, factory visits, and international sourcing trips as required
• Support initiatives focused on procurement process improvements, inventory optimization, and supplier performance enhancement
Competencies and skills
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred
• 5-10+ years of experience in purchasing, global sourcing, or import procurement within distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, retail, or industrial environments
• Proven experience working directly with Asian factories and international suppliers
• Strong understanding of direct-import procurement and global supply chain operations
• Demonstrated success negotiating pricing, supplier agreements, lead times, and commercial terms
• Experience coordinating inventory replenishment and intercompany stock transfers across distribution networks
• Knowledge of international logistics, freight operations, customs procedures, tariffs, and Incoterms
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in PC applications to include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Teams, Power BI, and relevant planning engines (Blue Ridge, JDA, Oracle, SAP)
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent communication, negotiation, collaboration, and supplier relationship management skills
• High level of initiative, accountability, and sense of urgency
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required
Preferred Experience
• Industrial, commercial, or technical product categories
• Experience with ERP - SAP, Oracle
• Experience with planning/replenishment software -Blue Ridge, Oracle, etc.
• Direct-import container programs and overseas sourcing models
• Exclusive Brand or private-label sourcing environments
• Distribution, wholesale, or multi-branch business operations
• Managing high-SKU purchasing portfolios in fast-paced environments
• Experience supporting cross-border inventory transfers between Canadian and U.S. distribution centers
